2 Hamilton police officers charged with assault for separate incidents

The Hamilton Police Service has charged two of its own officers with assault over separate incidents earlier this year.

The first case prompted an investigation by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the province's police watchdog.

The watchdog said on March 8, two officers showed up at a home near Rymal Road East and Upper Sherman Avenue for a domestic dispute call.

"On the front porch of the home, a heated verbal exchange ensued between an officer and one of the occupants of the home, escalating to the point of a physical altercation," said the SIU.

"The officers eventually left the premises with no arrests made."

The same day, Hamilton Police Service (HPS) say it received a "concerning" video of the altercation. HPS said it "immediately" suspended the officer and started a criminal investigation.

The SIU says two day after the incident, the man involved told HPS his wrist was hurt, but the SIU said on April 12 it stopped investigating because the injury wasn't severe enough.

Police continued their own investigation which has resulted in Const. Michael Kowalchuk facing an assault charge.

Police spokesperson Jackie Penman said Kowalchuk has been with the service for 15 years but wouldn't answer any other questions about the incident.

He'll be in court on July 12. 

CBC Hamilton has contacted the SIU for further comment.

Another officer with 10 years experience charged with assault

A separate incident two months later led to another officer being charged.

The police service said it received a video from a business and a citizen after police arrested a suspect in a stolen vehicle investigation.

The officer's use of force led to a criminal investigation, police say.

Const. Brian Wren was immediately suspended and now also faces an assault charge. Penman said he's been with the service for 10 years.

His first court appearance date is scheduled for July 21.